MA English Syllabus

MA English is a 2-year post-graduation course in English literature which is a combination of modern and ancient literature. It focuses on the three main aspects of English Literature namely-drama, prose and poetry. The course includes literature from all over the world such as American, Scottish, and Polish, among others. MA in English also includes cultural, political, social and historical contexts of English Literature studied at an advanced level. Students who have pursued BA English generally opt for this course to dwell deeper into the study of English literature. MA English is an advanced level program which requires concentration and focus. But before pursuing any course, it is important to know every detail regarding the course. We have listed down MA English Syllabus classified into semesters to give you a clear view of the course.

This Blog Includes:

MA English Syllabus: Core Subjects

As a master’s degree, an MA English encompasses a comprehensive study of both ancient as modern literature and covering poetry, prose as well as fictional works. Further, it also comprises of the literature of different countries as well as their renowned literary works. Before coming to a semester-wise breakdown, let’s take a look at the major subjects in MA English elucidated in the table below:

S. No.

MA English Subjects

1

American Literature

2

Common Wealth Literature

3

English Language

4

Literary Theory

5

Works of Shakespeare

6

African/African American Literature

7

Methods of Teaching English

8

British Literature I: Chaucer to Milton

9

British Literature II: Dryden to Romantic Age

10

British Literature III: Victorian Times to Modern Times

MA English Syllabus: Electives

While the core subjects falling under MA English syllabus remains the same for all students, the elective subjects keep on changes as per the choices made by applicants. Most of the universities across offer an array of papers to choose from. Given below are some of them:

The Structure of Modern English

English Fiction

Indian Verses

English Language and Literature Teaching

The Structure of Modern English

English Fiction

Traditional English Drama

Modern English Drama

Research Methodology

English Poetry

Indian Prose Works

Literary Theory and Criticism

MA English Syllabus: Semester Wise

There is a wide range of subjects in MA English syllabus which students get to engage with during the course. Each semester of MA English comprises of various subjects. Students are provided with a deep understanding and knowledge of different fields in English Literature. The first semester is an introductory semester consisting of introductory subjects to provide students with an understanding of the different literature of countries around the world. Listed below are all the subjects classified into four semesters, in order to give you a clear view and understanding of MA English.

Semester I

African/American English StudiesThis subject includes dialects from Ebonics, which is the African-American English Language spoken majorly in the US. For this subject under MA English syllabus, Students are provided with various dialects from around the world exploring their origins and the works written in these dialects.

American LiteratureThis subject includes American literature which was written and produced for several purposes in the late 16th century. Literature such as poetry, essays, drama for theatres, etc. is studied and analysed.

Commonwealth LiteratureThis subject of MA English syllabus includes Commonwealth and Postcolonial literature from countries that were once considered to be a part of the British territory, this may also include countries that were colonies of the British Empire. An extensive history of this literature is provided to help students understand the change from contemporary to modern literature.

Semester II

British Literature 1This subject of MA English syllabus covers British literature focused on a shift from Chaucer to Milton. This can assist students in understanding the importance of Chaucer and how he brought a change in the society through his English poetry.

British Literature 2This subject includes British literature from the period of the Romantic Era and the emergence of John Dryden. Students also get to learn about various aspects of writing poetry.

British Literature 3This subject constitutes one of the most significant periods in British history, i.e. the Victorian Age and the shift from early British writing to modern writing.

Semester III

English LanguageThis subject comprises of the study of grammar, punctuation, linguistic approaches, compositions and mode of translations to help students build structural sentences and formations.

Indian English LiteratureThis subject covers English literature by early Indian English writers, the likes of Rabindranath Tagore, Mukhopadhyay, and Premchand.

Literature Theory In this subject of MA English syllabus, students are provided with the knowledge of literary theories such as Criticism, Russian-formalism, Structuralism, Marxism, Feminism, etc. Students are given an in-depth knowledge of every theory to understand the concepts better.

Aspiring to attain a doctoral degree in English? Check out: PhD in English

Semester IV

Methods of Teaching EnglishThis subject includes different methods and ways of teaching English for students who want to get into the education field as professors and lecturers. Students are provided with various teaching methods such as direct method, grammar method, structural approach, etc.

Shakespearean Literature This subject under MA English syllabus focuses on studying the works of Shakespeare as well as his writing and his contribution to English literature. Students are provided with sufficient knowledge about his life and works.

Top Colleges to Study MA English

With scores of students pursuing a career in Functional English or other related avenues, colleges and universities across the world, including India have started offering MA English programs. Glance through the following table to know the names of the institutes providing the course:

University of Delhi

Jawaharlal Nehru University

Christ University

Jamia Milia Islamia

Hyderabad Central University

Loyola College

Presidency University

Fergusson College, University of Pune

Jadavpur University

Indraprastha College for Women

FAQs

Q1: How many papers are there in MA English?MA English can be a 1-2 year-long degree program depending upon the country and university one plans to join. Usually, a 2-year course consists of 16 core subjects spanned over 4 semesters.

Q2: What is an MA in English?Master of Arts is a specialized degree focusing on the humanities or art specific courses with a duration of 1 to 2 years. MA in English is a masters degree focusing on Literature studies.

Q3: Which university is best for MA English?There are a plethora of renowned universities that offer this prestigious course, enlisted below are some of them with different MA admission process:

We hope that this article on MA English Syllabus helped you explore the subjects you will be studying during the duration of this course. If you are planning to discover the vast history of English literature and writings through an in-depth postgraduate degree, Leverage Edu experts can help you find an ideal university to pursue this course as well as help you with the admission process.

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An AI enabled marketplace, Leverage Edu helps school students, college students and working professionals with
career guidance and mentorship. Our platform helps students and professionals discover 300,000+ programs, and
use our AI tool to understand what's the next right career and higher education option for them. Leverage Edu’s
experienced mentors help students bridge the gap between where they are today and where they want to be.

Why Leverage Edu?

Leverage Edu is a one-stop-shop for all your career-related needs - right from finding the best-fit college to
helping you find accommodation at the best prices. With data-first approach at Leverage Edu, you get 100%
customised services that resonate with your personal career needs.

What We Believe in

Each one of us has got something unique enough to be successful; we believe in bringing you closer to that
‘something’ and helping you leverage it!